Accessibility Specialist - Office of Disability Services

JMU Office of Disability Services; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The James Madison University Office of Disability Services seeks an Administrative and Professional Faculty member to assess requests for accommodations, determine eligibility, and coordinate services for students with disabilities. You will manage intake, registrations, and timely responses while collaborating with campus partners.

Maintain accurate records, support housing and dining accommodations, and contribute to process improvements.

Qualifications

• Master's degree (or nearing completion within 6 months) in a field such as higher education, counseling, psychology, social work, or related discipline.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication; ability to consult effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple student cases and maintain confidential records.

Responsibilities

• Assess requests for disability accommodations and determine eligibility.
• Facilitate the interactive process with students seeking accommodations.
• Provide intake consultations and registrations for services.
• Identify and develop appropriate academic accommodations and supports.
• Maintain accurate, confidential records of services and decisions.
• Collaborate with university units to coordinate accommodations and services.
• Support housing and dining accommodation coordination.
• Contribute to process improvements and departmental operations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Consultation skills

Records management

Technology proficiency

Collaboration

Policy interpretation

Education

Master's degree in a related field

Tools

CRM systems

Databases

Office software

Job description

State Role Title:Administrative and Professional Faculty

Position Type:Administrative & Professional (Non-teaching Faculty)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime

Pay Band:

Pay Rate:Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount: $47,500 - $50,000

Is this a JMU only position?No

Is this a grant-funded position?No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position?No

Beginning Review Date:11/6/2026

Duties and Responsibilities:

#1: Direct Student Services

• Conduct individualized assessment and analysis of requests for disability accommodations. Determine eligibility and reasonable accommodations through individualized assessment and analysis of documentation, supporting materials and evidence including student circumstances, observations, and self-reports.
• Facilitate the interactive process with students seeking disability accommodations and services.
• Provide direct student services that include, but may not be limited to:
• -Initial intake consultations
• - Registration for services
• - Prompt response to student requests for accommodations
• - Assist with the identification and development of appropriate academic accommodations, auxiliary aids and services.
• - Accommodation review and follow-up consultations, as appropriate.
• Effective collaboration with appropriate university units to facilitate the coordination and timely provision of accommodations and services for students with disabilities.
• Monitor and assist with resolution of accommodation implementation concerns.
• Maintain accurate, current and pertinent records of disability services reviews, decisions, and communications.
• Support consistent implementation of departmental accommodation practices, procedures, and service standards.
• Support the Associate Directors with the fundamental alteration process.
• Serve on the Housing Accommodation Request Committee and provide administrative and back-up support to the ODS Liaison for Housing Accommodations.
• Serve as ODS Liaison responsible for the coordination of Dining Accommodations.
• Develop working knowledge of areas that intersect with accommodations (academic, etc.) to support consultation and service delivery efforts.
• Support the department through participation in group and individual case consultation discussions, as needed.

#2: Departmental Operations and Program Support

• Maintain current knowledge of and adhere to established policies and procedures of ODS and JMU. Seek consultation as needed.
• Maintain current knowledge of federal and state disability laws, regulations, guidance, and emerging professional practices related to higher education disability services.
• Provide system support. Assist with identifying and implementing system optimizations for improved departmental operations. Support the dismounting of old systems and transitioning to new systems, as needed. Systems include but are not limited to, databases, software, CRM, and file systems.
• Assist with design and delivery of staff training and development activities, as assigned.
• Provide feedback regarding and support continuous improvement of departmental resources, procedures, forms, guidance materials, and accommodation service delivery processes.
• Assist with operational projects, workflow improvement efforts, and technology-related initiatives, as assigned.

#3: Collaboration, Consultation and Outreach

• Provide professional and timely consultations with students, faculty, staff, parents and other constituent groups
• Collaboration with faculty and staff partners leading to accommodation implementation.
• Consult with university partners regarding disability-related access barriers and effective access strategies.
• Represent ODS at outreach events and provide trainings, as assigned.
• Support departmental efforts to promote disability inclusion, accessibility, and student self-advocacy.
• Participate in university committees, collaborative initiatives, and campus partnerships, as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree (or attaining within 6 months) in higher education, counseling, rehabilitation counseling, psychology, social work, special education, student affairs, disability studies, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze information, exercise sound judgment, and make recommendations within established policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and student cases simultaneously.
• Attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate and confidential records.
• Demonstrated ability to adhere to established policies, procedures, and professional standards.
• Written, verbal, interpersonal, and consultation skills with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse constituents.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to learn, apply, and effectively utilize technology systems and software applications.
• Commitment to accessibility, Universal Design, and student-centered practices.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of disability-related laws and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
• Experience working in higher education disability services, student affairs, counseling, education, rehabilitation, social services, or a related field.
• Experience conducting individualized assessments, reviewing documentation, and/or making service-related recommendations.
• Experience determining, implementing, or supporting disability accommodations.
• Experience providing consultation, case management, advising, coaching, or other direct student services.
• Experience effectively utilizing databases, case management systems, CRM systems, or enterprise software applications.
• Experience participating in process improvement, service assessment, operational projects, or technology implementation efforts.